"It doesn't matter because I'm sure the lesson is learned. Isn't that right, Choyce?" Honor asked, sliding the gun from between my lips. He stared me down as I stepped back and ran my hands along my frame, smoothing out my clothes.
"Right." I nodded sharply, then angled my body toward Lucian.
"Sorry for the mishap. I'm sure Honor has other things to handle while we conduct our meeting," I said, doing my best to stop worry from flooding my face.
"Choyce," he eerily spoke, demanding my attention. "Non mostrare mai le tue preoccupazioni in facxia, perché la faccia è la prima cosa che un nemico studia."
My lips trembled, fighting the pull of a frown.
"Never show your worries on your face because the face is the first thing an enemy studies,” Honor translated.
Whenever Honor spoke, he did so with an arrogance that wasn't obnoxious yet held an undertone of dominance that couldn't be ignored.
Lucian nodded in approval toward hisfavoritebut glanced in my direction with disappointed eyes. To appear unbothered, I rolled my shoulders back and let my face fall into a grimace.
"Correct my young prodigy."
Honor winced as pride filled Lucian's tone.
"I often wonder how I ended up with a son like Talon and not a son like you. Yes, you were somewhat scrappy when we first met, but that was a small fix compared to the obedient man I knew you'd become. You, Honor, could easily come from my loins. Instead, the heavens saw fit to curse me. It's unfortunate, but as you know, I'm currently in the process of correcting that mishap. Isn't that right, Choyce?"
"Yes," I quickly answered while cupping my hands in front of me. "Actually, that's the reason I called this meeting."
I paused, giving myself a second to swallow the nervous lump in my throat. The woman with the schoolgirl crush had to be shelved for the bitch to come out.
"Three months ago, you made it clear to both Honor and me that Talon needed to go. Honor agreed, but as of this very second, no progress has been made on the matter. As your number two, I took it upon myself to make sure Honor's head is where we both need it to be."
"Is that true?" Lucian asked. His eyes shifted toward Honor, who was aimlessly gazing at the water.
The subtle throb of his jaw made it evident he wasn't fond of me throwing him under the bus.
"For her sake, I'd hope that was the reason for this conversation," he rasped lowly.
"And it was," I replied curtly to show Lucian I had no intention of backing down. "Great stakes are on the line. Untilwe go through the proper formalities of burying my husband, there is a hold on introducing me as Lucian's number two. I'm not sure about Honor, but I'd hate to see someone I love die over a business that doesn't affect them directly." My words coiled between us, like smoke looking to snuff out its next victim.
Honor scoffed, casting a stare at me that I couldn't read.
"People who play stupid games often win stupid prizes," he started, then paused to scrub his knuckles across his bearded jawline. "Do you understand what kind of prize you'll win by talking to me like I'm some wet behind the ears, nigga thirsty to prove his worth?" The darkness in his eyes dared me to answer, and like a fool, I accepted.
"Obviously a stupid one," I dryly stated.
Lucian chuckled.
Honor smirked.
"The prize you're so eager to win will leave you smeared across these docks. Now that you know what you're playing for, let me know if you want the prize, and I'll be sure to make the arrangements."
Honor spoke with so much malice in his voice that my confidence vanished. My shoulders slowly folded forward, and my hands parted with one clutching my necklace and the other resting at my hip.
"You're not built for this, Choyce. You talk top-notch shit just to fold under pressure," he sneered.
I glanced toward Lucian, who did nothing but watch proudly as Honor ripped me to shreds.
"I don't need a reminder on how great the stakes are because I'm the only nigga bound to lose someone I love. He threatened to kill Navy?—"
"He threatened to kill Navy andme. Now, I may not care as deeply as you do for my sister-in-law, but I value my life, and that's motivation enough for me to make sure you accomplishwhat'sdemandedof you." The latter of what I said came out deliberately to make sure Honor heard me clearly.
"We all don't have someone willing to sacrifice their life for ours. Most of us have to protect ourselves if we plan to watch the next sunrise."
